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Judge Upholds DNR's Suspension Of Convicted Poachers

Annapolis, Md. (October 14, 2010) — John Franklin Riggs, 43 and
William Howard Beck, 43, both of Rock Hall, Md., will be prohibited from
engaging in any commercial fishing activities for at least two commercial oyster
seasons in the State of Maryland, after Administrative Law Judge Neile Friedman
upheld the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposed suspensions
of the men’s commercial fishing licenses.

“It’s important that we hold anyone who wantonly breaks natural resource law
accountable,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “We must protect what hard
working Marylanders have invested in our Bay and fisheries.”

During the 2009-2010 oyster season, both Riggs and Beck were convicted for
possessing oysters at night and violating commercial striped bass regulations.
Beck was also convicted for using a power dredge to harvest oysters in a
prohibited area. Both men have numerous fisheries violations going back decades.

In the decisions in these cases Administrative Law Judge Neile Friedman
highlighted the challenges of enforcing natural resources at night, and
concluded that “The Department of Natural Resources is committed to pursuing
convictions against poachers because poaching has contributed to the significant
decline in the oyster population. The Department is working hard to restore the
oyster population, but its efforts will be thwarted without cooperation of the
commercial waterman.”

These suspensions come on the heels of both the opening of the 2010 oyster
season and implementation of Governor Martin O’Malley’s Oyster Restoration and
Aquaculture Development Plan. The plan increases Maryland’s network of oyster
sanctuaries, expands the leasing opportunities for oyster aquaculture, and
maintains 75 percent of productive bottom for a more targeted, sustainable and
scientifically-managed public oyster fishery.

A noteworthy part of this program is the launch of increased enforcement
initiatives. DNR has suspended or revoked eight commercial fishing licenses this
year for oyster violations. DNR’s enforcement efforts will be aided by a network
of radar and camera units in sensitive areas that are prone to poaching, which
went online this month.

“The decisions in these cases, will hopefully serve as a reminder that the
Department has been and will continue to diligently protect and restore our
native oyster population because of the great ecological and economic value
oysters provide to all of the citizens of the state”, said Secretary John
Griffin.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state
agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to
citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands
and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and
wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A
national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic
and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead
agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number
one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov